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JUCO World Series will have reserved seating for first time

The first-base stands at Suplizio Field are some of the most popular in the 10,000-seat baseball stadium.

Shaded by the pressbox, JUCO World Series fans have sat there for years, same seat, same row, every game, every year.

Family members and fans of the team in the first-base dugout set up camp right behind the dugout.

Before those bleachers were demolished last summer to start an $8.3 million renovation project at the Lincoln Park Sports Complex, the Grand Junction Baseball Committee started asking those longtime fans about their favorite spot.

When the project is completed in early May, the first-base bleachers will be replaced with individual stadium seats, and for the first time, reserved seating will be available for the 2012 Alpine Bank Junior College World Series.

The first-base seats will still be shaded by the new hi-rise pressbox and hospitality building and the view won’t be obstructed by the dugout or people walking past to get to the main grandstands. They will, however, be reserved seating only.

The JUCO Committee has set up an online survey to gather information about the interest in reserved seating, both along the first-base line and other areas of the ballpark.

“With the excitement of our renovation project at the stadium, the JUCO Committee wants to follow up on the promise of obtaining input from the fans who have supported the event over the years,” JUCO Chairman Jamie Hamilton said.

“This survey will help us as we go forward to keep the tournament enjoyable for all in attendance.”

The short survey, which takes less than five minutes, asks fans for information ranging from how many games they usually attend, how many tournament passes they purchase, why they would be interested in purchasing reserved seats and if they would buy tickets through an online system.

It also has an area for comments and feedback. Fans who take the survey can remain anonymous or can leave contact information for any follow-up questions.

Hamilton said the results of the survey will help the JUCO Committee establish reserved seating policies.

The survey is posted on the JUCO website, jucogj.org, and at GJSentinel.com on the sports home page and the JUCO page.